Latest News
British Bookmakers Set to Make Record Contribution for Rights to Show Horse Racing
British bookmakers are on track to make a record contribution to horse racing next year – with the bill for media rights forecast to increase by nearly £30m.
The Betting and Gaming Council’s five biggest members for horse race betting, Entain, Flutter, bet365, 888/William Hill and Betfred, expect to see a record cost increase to broadcast races.
In 2022, BGC members paid £270.1m for the rights to live stream races for customers and show them in bookmakers.
But that cost is forecast to rise to £285.3m this year, an increase of 5.6%, with members estimating a further increase to £315.2m in 2024, a further bump of 10.5%.
The combined increase for media rights costs is now expected to rise by 16.7% between 2022 and 2024.
The figures are based on data supplied by the Betting and Gaming Council’s five biggest members for horse race betting, then adjusted to include smaller operators, who must also pay for media rights.
Michael Dugher, CEO of Betting and Gaming Council, said: “BGC members are already making a record contribution to horse racing and these figures show that is only going to increase.
“This comes despite a reduction in betting turnover on racing in the last five years and a worrying decline in participation in horse race betting overall.
“Horse racing remains a hugely important, world-leading sport, enjoyed by millions of fans and like the betting industry it continues to support large numbers of jobs.
“I know racing is trying to modernise and reach out to new fans, while also trying to bounce back from the Covid pandemic and deal with some difficult economic headwinds, plus deal with the hit on its funding caused by the Government. The betting industry is dealing with many of the same pressures on our revenues and costs.
“The BGC and our members remain fully committed to working together with the leadership of the sport, including the BHA and others, to ensure a better future for racing. But the fact that we are making a record and growing contribution to the sport cannot be ignored.”
The forecast costs come after the BGC announced their members directly contributed £384m to British horse racing last year in levy, media rights and sponsorship deals.
These figures showed an increase on previous estimates for the regulated sector’s contribution, which had placed it at around £350m a year.
In addition, bookmakers spent £125m on marketing to promote racing and betting through advertisements and partnerships, which helps secure vital terrestrial coverage of the sport and raise revenue for print newspaper titles.
As well as the increased costs for media rights, levy payments are projected to be £99m in 2022/2023, according to the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
This record investment also enabled horse racing to use some of these revenues to deliver record prize money of £179.3m in 2022.
Horse racing is the second biggest sport in the UK, second only to football, with more than five million people attending around 1400 fixtures annually across 59 racecourses.
However, its popularity is in decline. In 2007, 17% of the population participated in horse race betting in the previous year, but that fell to 10% in 2018.
Meanwhile football overtook horse racing betting around the same time between 2017/2018.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has committed to reviewing the Horseracing Levy by next year.
The Horseracing Levy, which is administered by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, goes towards improving the sport, breeding and boosting veterinary care.
Betting operators are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and racing stakeholders on much needed reforms to the fixture list and race programme which should increase commercial returns from the levy and media rights.
The regulated betting industry fully supports this once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise horse racing so it can realise its full commercial potential.
The BGC is also working closely with the government on the proposed reforms from the White Paper to ensure those who enjoy betting can continue to do so without unnecessary intrusion, while introducing improved safeguards for the minority who struggle.
Betting shops currently support around 42,000 jobs, contribute £1bn a year in tax to the Treasury and another £60m in business rates to local councils.
The wider regulated betting and gaming industry contributes £7.1bn to the economy, generates £4.2bn in tax and supports 110,000 jobs.
In April DCMS unveiled the Government’s new White Paper on gambling reform, including a number of key measures the BGC had campaigned for.
Those included a new mandatory Ombudsman for the regulated sector, enhanced spending checks online and a new mandatory levy to fund research, education and treatment to tackle gambling related harm and problem gambling.
Each month in Great Britain around 22.5m adults have a bet and the most recent Health Survey for England estimated that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.
Meanwhile the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market online is growing in the UK, with the numbers betting on these sites doubling in recent years, and the amount staked in the billions.
Booming Games
Booming Games Drops Lucky Charms Trio
- Featuring a 5×3 layout, the game provides a highest win possibility of 5,000x.
- Mystery Symbols may show up completely or partially at any moment, producing enchanting rewards when aligned throughout the reels.
- Gamers can dive right into the excitement with the Trio Bonus feature, offering immediate exhilaration.
Booming Games, a top supplier of high-quality gaming content, has officially released Lucky Charms Trio. The game features a 5×3 layout with a highest possible win of 5,000x. Set against a stunning, vibrant backdrop of beautiful green hills and shimmering rainbows, Lucky Charms Trio boasts a variety of thrilling features aimed at enhancing the enjoyment for players.
The grid is adorned with classic symbols of good fortune, including four-leaf clovers, shiny horseshoes, and joyful leprechauns, creating an ideal setting for St Patrick’s Day celebrations later this month. To create a feeling of thrill, Mystery Symbols may show up either partially or completely at any moment, allowing players to align symbols across the reels to produce enchanting rewards.
Activating the Lucky Pots Feature reveals as many as seven unique bonus variations; Boost, Multiply, and Collect, in various combinations. Every pot can provide its own bonus independently or combine with others, and the maximum payout occurs when all three features trigger simultaneously for the largest rewards. To maintain the momentum, players have the option to utilize the thrilling Boost+ feature, or dive directly into the excitement with Buy Bonus and Trio Bonus for immediate enjoyment.
Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Step into the realms of sparkling fortune with Lucky Charms Trio, our vibrant new slot game where shimmering reels and playful surprises build excitement with every spin. With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, our latest release demonstrates our ability to develop games that connect with both local and global audiences. Fast-paced, dynamic gameplay and large win potential combine to create an ultimate gameplay experience packed with adventure. Play Lucky Charms Trio now!”
The post Booming Games Drops Lucky Charms Trio appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Casimba
ENJOY and Casimba Gaming form partnership to extend global market presence
Collaboration brings ENJOY’s complete growing range to Casimba’s platform.
ENJOY, the vibrant iGaming content producer, has finalized a new distribution contract with Casimba Gaming, enhancing its international presence in important regulated markets.
This partnership will result in ENJOY’s complete range of high-end slot games being incorporated into the Casimba platform, featuring the recently launched favorites Diamond Slam and Hotfire Diamonds 2. The contract also includes ENJOY’s creative live hybrid game shows, like Aztec Roulette and Egypt Roulette, broadcast continuously from a specially designed studio.
Having solid bases in the US social and sweepstakes market, along with the regulated sectors in the UK and Canada, Casimba Gaming offers ENJOY improved distribution prospects in some of the industry’s leading areas.
The collaboration enhances ENJOY’s strategy to broaden its reach in regulated and emerging markets while providing high-quality, feature-rich content to a wider network.
Christos Zoulianitis, Chief Commercial Officer at ENJOY, said: “Partnering with Casimba Gaming represents an important step in our distribution strategy as we continue to scale internationally.
“Our portfolio continues to expand, with new slot releases and our hybrid live game shows delivering consistent engagement. This agreement allows us to broaden the availability of our content and introduce it to new audiences on a global scale.”
Lavina Karlsson, Chief Commercial Officer – B2B at Casimba, added: “ENJOY’s established slot portfolio, combined with its unique hybrid live game show releases, brings a balanced and differentiated appeal that strengthens our content offering.
“Our focus is on delivering diverse, high-quality content across our network, and ENJOY’s products are a strong addition to that mix. This partnership supports our commitment to expanding the range of content available through our platform and driving continued growth for all parties involved.”
The post ENJOY and Casimba Gaming form partnership to extend global market presence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
Relax Gaming Expands Blockbuster Series With Debut of Treasure Tumble
Relax Gaming, the premier iGaming aggregator and provider of original content, has unveiled the newest entry in its successful Tumble series, Treasure Tumble.
The high-volatility underwater experience capitalizes on the already prevalent popularity of the series, while incorporating the revolutionary Supercharge feature aimed at enhancing player retention.
The Tumble series has consistently been a key factor in reliable performance and significant player lifetime value. Treasure Tumble enhances this dependable base, taking cues from its Dream Drop counterpart while emphasizing customizable gameplay.
The title Boost innovation enables operators to serve a variety of player types. By providing a complete range of Upgrade Spins, players can quickly dive into the core of the excitement.
Players can choose between Enhanced Spins for more frequent bonuses or Galleon Spins for high-multiplier volatility, allowing them to tailor their experience, which boosts session duration and return visits.
The mathematical model of the game stays strong, featuring an 8×8 cluster-pays layout and a highest payout of 10,000x. Featuring constant multipliers in the Super Galleon Bonus and a player-friendly mechanic that creates real momentum, the game is set to serve as a key revenue source for the 2026 season.
Tony O’Mahony, Chief Product Officer at Relax Gaming, said: “Our Tumble games have been a huge success for our partners, and with Treasure Tumble, we’re giving players even more control.
“We’ve supercharged this title with attractive options so that players can really play their way. It’s about giving them what they want, when they want it. That’s the best way to give players exactly what they enjoy.”
The post Relax Gaming Expands Blockbuster Series With Debut of Treasure Tumble appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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